Mesa Verde holiday open house is today

Mesa Verde National Park will host its 2012 Annual Holiday Open House from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Chapin Mesa headquarters area today (Dec. 6).

There will be special tours, luminaries, musical entertainment, night sky interpretation and refreshments. Ranger-guided tours of Spruce Tree House, the third largest cliff dwelling in the park, will be presented at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Spruce Tree House is also available for self-guided tours from 4 to 9 p.m. Luminaries will glow along the pathways throughout the headquarters area, a National Historic Landmark District, and along the trail to Spruce Tree House. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

No park entrance fee will be charged after 4 p.m. today

The Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum will remain open until 9 p.m. There will be musical entertainment in the museum auditorium throughout the evening. The schedule of performances is as follows:

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum Auditorium

4:30 to 5 p.m. — William Yazzie, traditional Native American flute and drum

5 to 5:45 p.m. — Meadowlark, contemporary folk rock

5:50 to 6:20 p.m. — Silver Echos Flute Choir, holiday music

6:25 to 7:15 p.m. — Four Corners Community Band, holiday music

7:25 to 8:25 p.m. — Wild Mountain Music, bluegrass

Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe

6:15 to 6:45 p.m. — William Yazzie, traditional Native American flute and drum

Spruce Tree House Trail

5:30 to 6 p.m. — William Yazzie, traditional Native American flute and drum

The non-profit Mesa Verde Museum Association (MVMA) Museum Store will be open highlighting the sale of books, posters, puppets, historic photographs, and great holiday gifts as well as in-store specials. Proceeds benefit Mesa Verde National Park.

Attendance at the Open House is free. Refreshments will be provided by ARAMARK, Mesa Verde Company, City Market- Cortez, and the Mesa Verde Museum Association.